Whoever said it's the journey not the destination that matters was clearly not a traveller in the age of modern airlines. Let's be honest - not many of us love the experience of a long-haul flight (an exception might be parents of small children who are travelling without them, but I've not seen any empirical evidence testing the theory). The anticipation of it, the arrival at the airport, the journey it represents - sure. But not the actual process of flying for 14 hours, stuck in a seat with a fraction of the legroom of the average toilet.

In fact, we've all got stories about hideous long-haul experiences. I'll save mine for another blog.

The best airlines for long trips in economy class

There's nothing like a middle seat on a long flight to remind you how uncomfortable flying can be.

But some airlines do better than others, and AirlineRatings.com has announced its picks for the best economy service. To earn a spot on the list, these airlines' economy class seats typically had a pitch of 31-34 inches, 6 inches of recline, multiple complimentary meals and beverages, in-flight entertainment and comfort-focused amenities like blankets and pillows.

It's bad news (again) for U.S. airlines: Not even one U.S. carrier made it on the list. Instead, the honors went to Asian and Gulf carriers that are building reputations around their ability to make even coach customers feel like they're worth good service.

Here are their top 10 airlines for longhaul economy class (in alphabetical order):

Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand likes to say that the trip from Los Angeles to Auckland is easier than going from the U.S. West Coast to East Coast — and they have a point, even though the flight is more than twice as long. On the overnight trip, you can have dinner, watch a movie, get a solid night's rest, and then awake refreshed on the other side of the world.

(Take the red eye from SFO to JFK and see how refreshed you feel.)

And beyond the timing and rhythm of that flight, Air New Zealand is winning when it comes to service.

"This is one airline that hasn’t forgotten where most of its passengers fly," wrote the editors at AirlineRatings.com. "Who else serves their passengers fruit salad and scones with jam and cream for an afternoon tea snack?"

Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific is based in Hong Kong, and if you're flying there from the U.S. you'd be smart to consider them.

Etihad is making a name for itself in ultra-luxurious airline service.

"Its first class on its flagship A380 is quite simply in a class of its own with space, space and more space," wrote the editors. But the airline hasn't completely forgotten about its less well-heeled travelers. Economy class on its longhaul flights is still a cut above: "Offering three main course choices and hot desserts, the airline takes economy to the next level."

You heard that right: Hot desserts. In economy.

EVA Air

Taiwanese EVA Air earns high marks from many airline review sites.

Economy class on the carrier's 777 has a roomy seat pitch of 33 inches.

Japan Airlines

If 33 is good, 34 is better. And that's what Japan Airlines offers.

"This is easily the best economy class product I have ever used," one traveler said in a reviewon SeatGuru, noting that the standard economy legroom on Japan Airlines is equivalent to what U.S. carriers would call "premium."

Korean Air

Korean Air doesn't just have great service, it also has a brand color that is about as pleasing and cerulean as it gets.

Qantas

Australia's flag carrier offers great in-flight entertainment, as well as an authentic Aussie travel experience. Not too mention Barbie gets her own Qantas-uniform?!

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways boasts some of the widest and more spacious seats in the sky today in its economy class.

"With a beautiful cabin, generous meals, efficient service, great in flight entertainment and competitive prices this is one airline you can always rely on for a relaxing and comfortable flight," wrote the editors at AirlineRatings.com.

The site also rated the best first, business and premium class among airlines. U.S. airlines didn't rank in any of those categories, either.